Rooted in Our Community

The Anderson Family's Story & Oakwood's Mission in Annandale

At Oakwood, we talk often about the power of community, how belonging, diversity, and shared purpose shape the lives of the students we serve. Each year, we hear stories from families whose lives have been transformed by finding a place where their child is understood, supported, and celebrated. The story of the Anderson family captures exactly why Oakwood’s mission matters in Annandale, and why sustaining that mission is so essential.

The Anderson Family

When I think about Annandale, I think about how vibrant, welcoming, and wonderfully diverse it is. Growing up in Northern Virginia, I had the pleasure of visiting Annandale and knew it would be the perfect place to raise children. We wanted our children to grow up in a town where they would be surrounded by diverse perspectives, strong values, and a sense of belonging. A place where cultures intersect, neighbors look out for one another, and there's a shared pride in creating opportunities for the next generation. That is exactly what Oakwood provides. 

When our son, Ayaan, received his dyslexia diagnosis, we were thrilled to know a school like Oakwood exists in our community. Having Oakwood here in Annandale means so much more than just convenience - it feels like hope right in our backyard. Oakwood 's presence in Annandale for the last 45 years is part of what makes our town iso great. The school brings together students from across the Washington, D.C. metro area who have a creative way of thinking into our community each day. We feel lucky knowing children can be supported and celebrated in the same community in which we live; because for families like ours, Oakwood is not just a resource, it's a lifeline. 

 

Lane McIntyre, Oakwood School CEO

Finding Annandale as the location for Oakwood School was ideal. Our founders, Bob & Mary McIntyre, loved Annandale because of its rich sense of community, the diversity of people who live and visit the area, and because it is easily accessible to families who live in areas surrounding Washington, D.C. 

My parents founded Oakwood School almost 55 years ago, and for 45 years, the school has been in Annandale, VA. Our students love being in Annandale, and each year they find ways to give back to the community through donation drives and other acts of service. For my family, Annandale has always been a place that unites people from a variety of backgrounds and embraces differences. I believe that is also what Oakwood does for our students. Before coming to Oakwood, many students felt their learning differences were holding them back or preventing them from achieving academic success. But at Oakwood, they learn that's simply not true. Oakwood provides a learning environment that highlights our students' strengths and discovers their true potential. 

It is our hope to provide an Oakwood education to all children who need it, but to do so, we need your help. In 2025, our area experienced a record number of layoffs, creating financial uncertainties for thousands of people. These uncertainties have made families question whether or not they can afford a school like Oakwood. For our students, Oakwood is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and we are calling on you to help secure the future of Oakwood and the children who need us.  

 

Stories like these remind us that Oakwood is more than a school; it’s a cornerstone of hope for families navigating learning disabilities. By sharing this message with our community, we reaffirm the values that guide our work and highlight why continued support ensures that every child who needs Oakwood has access to the education they deserve.

Oakwood’s mission thrives because of a deeply committed community. If you feel inspired to help expand access for future families, you can support Oakwood's mission by donating to the Bob McIntyre Tuition Assistance Fund.